Pumpkin Weekend with the Boys

this past weekend the boys and i had some good guy time at a pumpkin event. these times are priceless for me and often just as much fun for me as the boys.

my friend, jeff, had an event hosted by his church that was very welll done. the boys were able to get their faces painted, play in a jump house, climb bails of hay, and had snacks. they loved it! they were able to just be little boys and hung out with dad (while it's still cool!). i cherish every weekend they visit and fill their love tank with encouragement and unconditional love.

another incredible moment was at dinner time on ST night. both kole and trey wanted to thank Jesus for the food. and they did just that. thanking Him for everything they could think of in the moment. by the end of trey's prayer (the first time he's prayed at the dinner table), i was in tears. i was SO moved to hear my son's pray and share their thankfulness to our God it was almost too much in the moment. hopefully many more precious moments like this to come...

Susan's Family Visit

Sunday we spent the day at Susan's family house near Lake Geneva, WI. We celebrated Susan's recent bday (10.10) and her sister, Lynn's bday (2nd to right) at their parents house. Susan's brother, Jim (far right) and his family were there along with Lynn's family. Susan's mother (far left) and father (middle) took the family to a local fall festive event. There were corn mazes, hay mazes, pumpkins and crafts, etc. Most importantly, it was just good to be with family. Susan is close with her family and they've treated me as one of their own. We love you, fam!

Visit with some great friends

This Sunday my wife was able to meet two people who are incredibly dear to me. Bill and Treva have been in my life since I was 22 years old. They've seen me grow up, succeed, fail, and climb back up. Few people can claim that role in my life. They were there through thick and thin and even thinner.

It was long overdue for Bill and Treva to meet Susan and realize just how special my wife is to me. It was great to recount all times. Both Bill and Treva were so encouraging to list how far I've come and celebrating where I'm currently at in life. Bill and Treva, may you know what a special place you have in my heart...

Trey's First Piano Lesson

i've dreamed of the day i could teach my boys the piano. every weekend they visit i watch trey's attention go to the piano. over the months, he's gone from banging to playing. minor yet important detail. a few weeks ago i asked him if he wanted me to show him how to play something. he just wanted me to play and just stared. this past weekend i taught him the beginning of the song on the video. he, like his bikeriding, was determined to learn how to play. he practiced and practiced without getting frustrated and banging until he had it. the video is the fruit of his labor. enjoy! i was (and still am) incredibly proud of him!!!

Midwife Delivery Birthing Center - by Sus

Bryan and I decided to have a midwife delivery our baby instead of a doctor because most doctors in Illinois are quick to performing a c-section to avoid lawsuits. Fortunately, Hinsdale Adventist Hospital provides the option of having a midwife and/or doctor, so that in case a medical need arises, a doctor is available. If you're wondering, midwives are capable of helping a woman deliver a baby in every way that a doctor can with the exception of performing a c-section. Plus, they have a lot of tricks in the back pocket to help the delivery go as smoothly as possible (especially if you're trying avoid medication). Below is the picture of the front of the hospital.
Bry and I were able to tour the maternity ward at the hospital to see what to expect. The picture to the left is the picture of the delivery room. In the wooden cabinets are medical supplies, should they be needed.

Plus, included in the room is the picture to the right. This "bed" to the right, is for the baby. It can be heated to help the baby's body temperature from dropping. Lastly, there is a scale was well to weigh the little one when she's born!!! :)

Once the baby is born, then in about an hour or so, they will move me into a recovery room down the hall. There is also a small refreshment room with free cookies and other goodies for families and guests to take advantage of, which the hospital provides (free of charge!). This, of course, Bry and I wanted to sample to see how good the snacks were, but we decided not to since no one else was going from our tour group. I was disappointed, and I think he was too. :)